NEW DELHI: After several hours of negotiations, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of the 16 federal states agreed to extend Germany’s coronavirus lockdown until at least January 31. 

“We must be especially careful now. We are in a new and extraordinary situation,” said Angela Merkel, emphasizing that the appearance of new, more infectious strains of the virus had made the situation even more precarious.

Under new regulations, residents of coronavirus hotspots will be restricted from traveling more than 15 km from their town without a valid reason. Day trips are specifically ruled out. Additionally, contact at private meetings will be restricted to just one other person not living in the same household.

People arriving in Germany from high risk areas will be required to submit two negative test results. A minimum five day quarantine period will be mandated, even if the first test is negative. Parents will receive an extra 10 days leave to look after children, while single parents will receive an extra 20 days.

The lockdown was imposed in Germany from November 2 last year. During this time, restaurants, bars and all sports facilities were banned. It was extended for the first week of January in the event of Coronavirus cases spreading fast. Social contacts including non-essential shops, schools were banned.

Pertinent to mention total number of COVID19 cases in Germany have reached 1.81 million mark with 1.47 million recoveries and 36,757 deaths.